Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing
Course Syllabus

Course Overview

This introductory outdoor rock climbing course is designed for beginners transitioning to real rock. The curriculum emphasizes safety, risk awareness, proper equipment use, and efficient movement while building confidence in a controlled outdoor environment.

1. Safety & Risk Awareness (Foundation)

Safety and personal responsibility form the foundation of all climbing activities. Students learn how risk is managed and how individual decisions affect the safety of themselves and others.

Topics covered:

• Understanding climbing risks and personal responsibility
• Outdoor site etiquette and shared-use area awareness
• Standard climbing commands and clear communication (“On belay,” “Climbing,” “Take,” etc.)
• Proper helmet use for outdoor climbing

2. Equipment Knowledge & Use

Students are introduced to essential climbing equipment and how each component functions within a complete safety system.

Topics covered:

• Harness fitting and proper double-backing
• Climbing shoe fit, use, and care
• Chalk use and best practices
• Carabiner types, orientation, and basic function
• Rope basics, including dynamic vs. static ropes and rope care
• Belay device identification and purpose

3. Knots & Rope Skills

This section focuses on essential knots and rope-handling skills required for safe top-rope climbing.

Topics covered:

• Figure-8 follow-through knot
• Stopping knot concepts
• Proper rope threading through the harness
• Basic rope management, including avoiding tangles and preventing rope damage

4. Belaying Skills (Top-Rope Focus)

Belaying is a core component of beginner climbing instruction. Students learn to manage the rope safely and protect the climber at all times.

Topics covered:

• Belay setup and partner safety checks
• Proper belay stance and positioning
• PBUS or other approved belay methods (Pull-Brake-Under-Slide)
• Feeding slack and taking in slack efficiently
• Lowering a climber smoothly and under control
• Backup braking techniques and correct hand positioning

5. Climbing Movement Fundamentals

Students learn efficient movement techniques that reduce fatigue and improve balance rather than relying on strength.

Topics covered:

• Maintaining three points of contact
• Using legs instead of arms
• Basic footwork techniques such as edging and smearing
• Weight shifting and balance
• Straight-arm climbing techniques
• Identifying and using resting positions on the wall or rock face

6. Route Reading & Problem Solving

This section teaches climbers how to think ahead and adapt while climbing.

Topics covered:

• Understanding route grading systems
• Identifying handholds versus footholds
• Planning climbing sequences from the ground
• Adjusting movement and strategy when a move does not work

7. Falling & Comfort on the Wall (Controlled)

Controlled falling concepts are introduced gradually to build trust in the safety system and reduce fear.

Topics covered:

• Trusting the rope and belayer
• Controlled top-rope falls (when appropriate)
• Down-climbing techniques
• Managing fear, breathing, and body tension

8. Outdoor-Specific Skills

Additional skills are introduced to address environmental and site-specific considerations.

Topics covered:

• Crag etiquette and Leave No Trace principles
• Anchor awareness (what anchors do, not how to build them)
• Environmental hazards, including rockfall, weather, and wildlife
• Safe approach and descent practices

9. Progression & Next Steps

The course concludes by setting expectations for continued learning and safe progression.

Topics covered:

• When a climber may be ready to climb independently
• Practice recommendations
• Differences between top-rope, lead, sport, and trad climbing
• Next course options such as lead climbing, anchor building, and movement clinics

Topics Not Covered in This Course

This introductory course does not include instruction in:

• Lead climbing
• Building anchors
• Multi-pitch systems
• Rescue techniques

These topics are typically taught in intermediate or advanced climbing courses.